Teachers to be offered 28 per cent pay rise in bid to avoid more strikes
The Victorian state government is preparing to offer teachers a 28 per cent pay rise over four years in an effort to prevent further strike action planned for May and June. The offer, not yet formally presented to the Australian Education Union, marks a significant increase from the government's prior 17 per cent proposal but falls short of the union's 35 per cent demand. School principals are also considering industrial action, citing stalled negotiations, while concerns remain over pay gaps for classroom assistants and unresolved workload issues. The move comes amid growing pressure on the government ahead of the state budget and upcoming election.
- ▪The proposed 28 per cent pay rise for Victorian teachers would be distributed over four years and applies to around 52,000 government school teachers.
- ▪The Australian Principals Association is seeking permission to hold a protected action ballot, signaling potential strike involvement by school leaders.
- ▪Classroom assistants have been offered a 13 per cent rise, less than half the proposed increase for teachers, creating a key point of contention.
- ▪A series of rolling regional strikes by teachers is scheduled to begin on May 6, targeting MPs' offices across Victoria.
- ▪Victorian teachers earn less than their counterparts in NSW, with a $15,000 gap for experienced teachers and a $78,801 starting salary compared to $90,177.
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